New work groups will foster better collaboration, customer relations

On Oct. 1, the Department of State Lands (DSL) will roll out a new program structure with three reconfigured work groups:

Aquatic Resource Management: includes the removal-fill regulatory and wetlands programs, and the staff that issue authorizations for use of state-owned waterways. The unit is structured around regions (northwest, southwest, mid-west and Portland metro), and also houses policy and planning staff, which includes wetland mitigation staff and other planners.

Common School Fund Property: includes the unclaimed property program, estates administration, real property management and the Eastern Region functions.

Business Operations and Support Services: includes all internal support functions such as IT, human resources, fiscal operations and agency clerical support.

Two legislative and policy analysts moved into the Director’s Office, and the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve reorganized around three core areas: Administration and Facilities, Education, and Science.

The day-to-day work of the agency will not change under the new structure, though some staff have reassigned territories and duties. DSL Director Mary Abrams said the reconfigured work units will allow customers to more easily understand how to access DSL services – for example, all waterway-related services will be in the same group, and staff will be cross-trained to help with both regulatory and proprietary work.

The reorganization also helps DSL comply with the 1:11 supervisor to staff ratio mandated by 2012 legislation.

We’re currently in the process of updating our website, but there may be pages and documents that reflect the old agency structure. Please bear with us as we work on this transition!